by Aude Camus
Blue sky, sun, palms lining up along a kilometers-long beach, postcard-like sunrises and sunsets, luxurious shopping malls, arty neighborhoods and exciting FnB scene … I visited Miami for the first time this summer and while I was expecting a very posh city, I discovered there is way much more to Miami than vice, parties and celebrities.
EAT
Madame’s tips: most of the restaurants in Miami can be easily booked online via OpenTable
BÂOLI
Blue sky, sun, palms lining up along a kilometers-long beach, postcard-like sunrises and sunsets, luxurious shopping malls, arty neighborhoods and exciting FnB scene … I visited Miami for the first time this summer and while I was expecting a very posh city, I discovered there is way much more to Miami than vice, parties and celebrities.
EAT
Madame’s tips: most of the restaurants in Miami can be easily booked online via OpenTable
BÂOLI
A restaurant which turns into a club at night and welcomes stars and jetsetters from all around the world. The Asian-infused food is fresh and tasty, the cocktails and drinks menu perfectly complements the food and the music crescendos as the evening progresses transforming the place into a chic club where guests can both dine and dance. A great place for late night dining with a group of friends who like to party.
Bâoli Miami
1906 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
BYBLOS
Bâoli Miami
1906 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
BYBLOS
Beautiful restaurant, located in The Royal Palm South Beach Hotel, serving tasty Mediterranean cuisine cooked with local ingredients. Loving the eye-catching décor.
Byblos Miami
1545 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
CECCONI’S
Byblos Miami
1545 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
CECCONI’S
Classic yet pretty trendy Italian restaurant situated in the very trendy but also very private Soho Beach House hotel (hotel and member’s club in a restored art deco building). The restaurant setting, in a covered courtyard, is beautiful and the pasta and pizza are handmade and absolutely delicious. The only thing is the place does get quite busy and noisy at night and is therefore probably better for a dinner with a group of friends than for a date.
Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Soho Beach House, 4385 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
FIREMAN DEREK’S BAKESHOP & CAFÉ
Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Soho Beach House, 4385 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
FIREMAN DEREK’S BAKESHOP & CAFÉ
Probably the most famous pie shop in Miami and a family owned business. The place doesn’t look like much from the outside and is very small but serves over 50 unique flavors of pies, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies. Everything is cooked in house and all cakes are available by the slice (whole cakes can also be ordered). If you are on a diet, better not visit this shop as all recipes are heavily loaded with sugar and fat. But hey, we all deserve a special treat from time to time.
Madame’s tips: you’ll probably read elsewhere that the Caramel pie is a signature and a must ordered but we were quite disappointed by this one which tasted more like Vanilla than Caramel. If you ask me, better buy the Key Lime Pie and, my absolute fav, the Pecan Pie.
Fireman Derek’s Bakeshop & Cafés
2818 N Miami Ave, Wynwood – Miami
FRIEZE ICE CREAM FACTORY
Madame’s tips: you’ll probably read elsewhere that the Caramel pie is a signature and a must ordered but we were quite disappointed by this one which tasted more like Vanilla than Caramel. If you ask me, better buy the Key Lime Pie and, my absolute fav, the Pecan Pie.
Fireman Derek’s Bakeshop & Cafés
2818 N Miami Ave, Wynwood – Miami
FRIEZE ICE CREAM FACTORY
A small but colorful shop with a nice vintage feels to it, in Miami Beach, serving a nice selection of daily freshly made ice-creams and sorbet.
Madame’s tips: make sure to also check at the fridges from which you can buy pints of homemade ice creams and if you can, buy a pint of Dulce De Leche … it’s so good!
Frieze Ice Cream Factory
1626 Michigan Avenue – Miami Beach
LOS FUEGOS BY FRANCIS MALLMAN
Madame’s tips: make sure to also check at the fridges from which you can buy pints of homemade ice creams and if you can, buy a pint of Dulce De Leche … it’s so good!
Frieze Ice Cream Factory
1626 Michigan Avenue – Miami Beach
LOS FUEGOS BY FRANCIS MALLMAN
Looking for a chic place where to enjoy al-fresco dining by the pool? Los Fuegos, located in Faena Hotel Miami Beach (one of the chicest hotel on the beach), is the place. I love the South American vibes of the place, opened by an Argentinian chef, where guests can enjoy contemporary asado (Argentinian grill) experience.
Madame’s tips: book a table for Sunday Asado and you’ll be treated to brunch by the pool with a buffet of fresh starters, Argentinian grills], symphony of desserts and bottomless Sangria, Bellini and Bloody Mary. Guests having brunch at Los Fuegos also enjoy complimentary day pass to Faena Hotel’s pool.
Faena Hotel, welcoming this restaurant, is quite an amazing and unique hotel and definitely worth a tour before or after your meal at Los Fuegos.
Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman
Soho Beach House, 4385 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
SHAKE SHACK
Madame’s tips: book a table for Sunday Asado and you’ll be treated to brunch by the pool with a buffet of fresh starters, Argentinian grills], symphony of desserts and bottomless Sangria, Bellini and Bloody Mary. Guests having brunch at Los Fuegos also enjoy complimentary day pass to Faena Hotel’s pool.
Faena Hotel, welcoming this restaurant, is quite an amazing and unique hotel and definitely worth a tour before or after your meal at Los Fuegos.
Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman
Soho Beach House, 4385 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
SHAKE SHACK
Would it be a proper trip to the US without a good old pornfood feast in a fast food? And when it comes to fast food, my fav is Shake Shack (Sorry Five Guys).
Shake Shack Miami
1111 Lincoln Road – Miami Beach
TIME OUT MARKET MIAMI
Shake Shack Miami
1111 Lincoln Road – Miami Beach
TIME OUT MARKET MIAMI
Opened earlier this year, Time Out Market is very likely the trendiest food court in town, gathering under one roof 21 food booths from the highest-rated local restaurants and Miami’s most revered chefs serving food at very affordable price (<USD 20). I’m loving the chill vibes of the place which can get quite busy on a weekend night.
Time Out Market Miami
1601 Drexel Avenue - Miami Beach
ZUMA
Time Out Market Miami
1601 Drexel Avenue - Miami Beach
ZUMA
No matter where you are in the world, if there’s a Zuma you know you are in for an utterly delicious and super fresh Japanese feast and Zuma Miami definitely does not disappoint.
Madame’s tips: if weather allows (but it’s Miami so weather is usually pretty friendly), ask to be seated outside on the terrace to enjoy the view on the marina and the yachts sailing by.
Zuma Miami
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way – Miami
SHOP
I’d better warn you, just like Hong Kongers, Americans do love their malls so shopping in Miami often requires you to drive to the nearest (or not, depending on what you are looking for) mall. And just like in Hong Kong, each mall has its very own specificities. Yet, there are still a few boutiques worth checking in Miami.
Boutiques:
BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB ADIDAS STORE
Madame’s tips: if weather allows (but it’s Miami so weather is usually pretty friendly), ask to be seated outside on the terrace to enjoy the view on the marina and the yachts sailing by.
Zuma Miami
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way – Miami
SHOP
I’d better warn you, just like Hong Kongers, Americans do love their malls so shopping in Miami often requires you to drive to the nearest (or not, depending on what you are looking for) mall. And just like in Hong Kong, each mall has its very own specificities. Yet, there are still a few boutiques worth checking in Miami.
Boutiques:
BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB ADIDAS STORE
An Instagrammer’s dream shop entirely dedicated to Pharell William’s Billionaire Boys Club collection. Even if you don’t shop there, you definitely want to check this pretty cool store and take a snap, maybe in the “Elevated Galactic Exhibit” room showcasing floating sneakers.
255 NW 25 St – Miami
FRANGIPANI
255 NW 25 St – Miami
FRANGIPANI
An independently owned lifestyle boutique situated in Wynwood where you’ll find cool lifestyle stuffs sourced from all over the world and ranging from clothes and accessories to cute stationery, beauty products and candles. Loving the cool concept store, quite artsy, vibes of the place.
FrangiPani
2516 NW 2ndAve – Miami
KITH
FrangiPani
2516 NW 2ndAve – Miami
KITH
The Miami outlet of fashion brand Kith offering customers the in-house label but also a curated selection of multi-brand streetwear apparel and footwear. A very hype place, worth visiting even just for having a look at their selection (and the trendy shoppers).
Kith Miami
1931 Collins Ave – Miami Beach
THE WEBSTER
Kith Miami
1931 Collins Ave – Miami Beach
THE WEBSTER
The Webster is an online luxury multi-brand retailer very well-known from fashionistas all around the world and also operating five physical shops in the US including the Miami ones (South Beach and Bal Harbour). The three-story boutique in an Art deco building is beautiful.
The Webster
1220 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
Malls:
BAL HARBOUR
The Webster
1220 Collins Avenue – Miami Beach
Malls:
BAL HARBOUR
A high-end outdoor mall featuring designer boutiques and restaurants in an exotic garden setting.
To visit if you are willing to treat yourself to something extra or just wanna have a look at this interesting retail village.
Bal Harbour
9700 Collins Avenue – Bal Harbour
BRICKELL CITY CENTRE
Another mall more dedicated to luxury and designer than fast fashion, I am loving its design.
Madame’s tips: if you are looking for a beautiful souvenir to bring back from Miami, you might wanna consider visiting the diptyque shop where you’ll find the exclusive Miami candle (only available in diptyque’s stores in Miami) with its lovely scent of magnolia blossom and citrus notes reminiscent of Florida’s signature dessert, the Key Lime Pie.
Brickell City Centre
701 S Miami Ave - Miami
DOLPHIN MALL
To visit if you are willing to treat yourself to something extra or just wanna have a look at this interesting retail village.
Bal Harbour
9700 Collins Avenue – Bal Harbour
BRICKELL CITY CENTRE
Another mall more dedicated to luxury and designer than fast fashion, I am loving its design.
Madame’s tips: if you are looking for a beautiful souvenir to bring back from Miami, you might wanna consider visiting the diptyque shop where you’ll find the exclusive Miami candle (only available in diptyque’s stores in Miami) with its lovely scent of magnolia blossom and citrus notes reminiscent of Florida’s signature dessert, the Key Lime Pie.
Brickell City Centre
701 S Miami Ave - Miami
DOLPHIN MALL
Also known as Miami’s largest outlet shopping with more than 240 shops.
Dolphin Mall
11401 NW12th St – Miami
LINCOLN ROAD
Lincoln Road isn’t exactly a mall but a shopping and dining promenade in the heart of South Beach and the perfect place where to wander early evening before heading to dinner (at Time Out Market just nearby for example).
Few shops you might wanna visit: Anthropologie, Aerie (lingerie lifestyle and intimate apparel sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters), Banana Republic, Lululemon Athletica, Urban Outfitters.
SAWGRASS MILLS
Getting to Sawgrass Mills will take you approximately 45 min (by car) from Miami Beach but totally worth the ride as the mall is an outlet one where you’ll get to enjoy super attractive discounts on many international brands ranging from Diane Von Furstenberg (my fav outlet, I did find a few dresses there for only USD 80!) to Saint-Laurent, Maje, Sandro, Lululemon or Michael Kors.
Sawgrass Mills
12801 W Sunrise Blvd – Sunrise
MUST SEE
ART DECO DISTRICT
Dolphin Mall
11401 NW12th St – Miami
LINCOLN ROAD
Lincoln Road isn’t exactly a mall but a shopping and dining promenade in the heart of South Beach and the perfect place where to wander early evening before heading to dinner (at Time Out Market just nearby for example).
Few shops you might wanna visit: Anthropologie, Aerie (lingerie lifestyle and intimate apparel sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters), Banana Republic, Lululemon Athletica, Urban Outfitters.
SAWGRASS MILLS
Getting to Sawgrass Mills will take you approximately 45 min (by car) from Miami Beach but totally worth the ride as the mall is an outlet one where you’ll get to enjoy super attractive discounts on many international brands ranging from Diane Von Furstenberg (my fav outlet, I did find a few dresses there for only USD 80!) to Saint-Laurent, Maje, Sandro, Lululemon or Michael Kors.
Sawgrass Mills
12801 W Sunrise Blvd – Sunrise
MUST SEE
ART DECO DISTRICT
Photo credit: Aude Camus
The Art Deco Historic District, between 5th Street and 23rdStreet and along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue, offers the largest concentration of Art deco architecture in the US with over 900 historic building.
This is also where you’ll find The Villa Casa Casuarina also known as Versace Mansion and made famous after the tragic assassination of Gianni Versace in 1997. The Villa is today an hotel so you can’t really visit it except if you decide to go for lunch, dinner or a few drinks by the pool at Gianni’s, the hotel’s restaurant.
WYNWOOD
This is also where you’ll find The Villa Casa Casuarina also known as Versace Mansion and made famous after the tragic assassination of Gianni Versace in 1997. The Villa is today an hotel so you can’t really visit it except if you decide to go for lunch, dinner or a few drinks by the pool at Gianni’s, the hotel’s restaurant.
WYNWOOD
Also known at The Arts District and worth the visit for its many colorful murals.
“Wynwood is an eclectic district in the urban core of Miami, Florida. It is home to art galleries, retail stores, antique shops, eclectic bars, artisanal eateries and one of the largest open-air street-art installations in the world.
Throughout the mid-to-late 1900s, Wynwood was an enclave for Caribbean immigrants and home to Miami’s Garment District. Following a decade of economic exodus and depression, in the early 2000s, forward thinking developers and property owners rehabilitated neglected warehouses, shuttered factories, and other unused buildings, transforming them into the innovative businesses that are visible today.
However, it is street art that helped spark Wynwood’s renaissance. Since the introduction of Second Saturday Art Walk and the arrival of Art Basel (2002), the influence and relevance of the arts community in Wynwood has become undeniable. Artists from around the world have sought inspiration in the area’s windowless facades and used them as canvases to showcase their work, leading to the vivid murals that adorn the district.
Today, Wynwood is recognized globally as a premier destination for art, fashion, innovation and creative enterprise. It is one of the largest and most prominent creative communities in the United States, and where a new generation of creative and entrepreneurs want to live, work, eat, play and learn. »
If you are an Instagram addict and/or always looking at creating stand-out pictures, you should visit the Unicorn Factory located in the neighborhood, a place offering a plethora of rooms filled with very instagrammable scenes (but make sure to book your tickets online before visiting at they don’t sell tickets at the door).
“Wynwood is an eclectic district in the urban core of Miami, Florida. It is home to art galleries, retail stores, antique shops, eclectic bars, artisanal eateries and one of the largest open-air street-art installations in the world.
Throughout the mid-to-late 1900s, Wynwood was an enclave for Caribbean immigrants and home to Miami’s Garment District. Following a decade of economic exodus and depression, in the early 2000s, forward thinking developers and property owners rehabilitated neglected warehouses, shuttered factories, and other unused buildings, transforming them into the innovative businesses that are visible today.
However, it is street art that helped spark Wynwood’s renaissance. Since the introduction of Second Saturday Art Walk and the arrival of Art Basel (2002), the influence and relevance of the arts community in Wynwood has become undeniable. Artists from around the world have sought inspiration in the area’s windowless facades and used them as canvases to showcase their work, leading to the vivid murals that adorn the district.
Today, Wynwood is recognized globally as a premier destination for art, fashion, innovation and creative enterprise. It is one of the largest and most prominent creative communities in the United States, and where a new generation of creative and entrepreneurs want to live, work, eat, play and learn. »
If you are an Instagram addict and/or always looking at creating stand-out pictures, you should visit the Unicorn Factory located in the neighborhood, a place offering a plethora of rooms filled with very instagrammable scenes (but make sure to book your tickets online before visiting at they don’t sell tickets at the door).
